While conversing with a friend I was asked the differences between GPRS, EDGE and 3G, decided to share my little knowledge about the topic in case you might be confused about it too.

Before advancing, it should be known that 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G etc refers to the different generations of wireless communication technology characterized by having a defined range of speed.

GPRS(General Packet Radio Service)
GPRS is a packet-based* wireless communication service. It is a 2G technology network that support a download speed of up to 114Kbps.
Limitation of GPRS is that GPRS data cannot be sent while a voice call is in progress.

EDGE(Enhanced Data GSM Evolution)
GPRS and EDGE are both 2G technology but EDGE is significantly faster with a download speed of up to 384Kbps. EDGE is sometimes called a 2.5G network as it also has some characteristics of a 3G network but it doesn't satisfy the specification.

3G
Introduction of 3G network made video calling and seamless streaming of video possible, with download speed of up to 3.1Mbps.

HSDPA(High-Speed Down-link Packet Access)
It is based on the 3G network and an enhancement to 3G. Thus has a faster speed, download speed can be up to 14Mbps. HSDPA is sometimes called 3.5G.

HSPA+(Evolved High-Speed Packet Access)
HSPA+ is an evolution HSPA(HSDPA&HSUPA). It is a 4G technology that allows download at a rate of up to 168Mbps.

4G LTE(Long Term Evolution)
LTE is a 4G communication standard that supports HD video streaming, download speed as high as 299.6Mbps.

Summary
GPRS(114Kbps) < EGDE(368Kbps) < 3G(3.1Mbps) < HSDPA(14Mbps) < HSPA+(168Mbps) < 4G/LTE(299.6Mbps)

By the way, I posted this using a GPRS connection.

*Packet-based means data is broken into packets before being transmitted.

Na now i understand sef

Hmmmmmm....owk i don hear

Hmm... 4g is the fastest... Smart phones noni... Iphone...

which network in Nigeria offers the HSPA or 4G network ? lest I forget very insightful post, weldone

WHY THE GUY FACE COME BEND FOR 4G? WELL I DONT THINK ANY NETWORK IN NIGERIA HAS UP TO 4G OR 5G NETWORK, EXCEPT FOR ETISALAT THAT HAS 3.5G ABI NA 3.75G NETWORK,MOST GADGETS ARE STILL YET TO UPGRADE, ONLY FEW HAS UPTO 4G LIKE THE IPAD

Very insightful... Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for the info. Some people see these technical terms on their phones or computers but don't know what they mean.

Btw, is there any 4G network provider in Nigeria?

@op nice post. Just bookmarked the page for reference purpose...

Lol! at the pics.Assuming the air we breathe in was rated 4G,man for done exit earth

Superb this is hw data moduls are to each other, one is advancement on the former

cool,you just cleared me off

My AIRTEL MODEM SHOWS HSPA AND WCDMA MOST TIMES.
SO WHAT DOES WCDMA MEAN?

a1solution: My AIRTEL MODEM SHOWS HSPA AND WCDMA MOST TIMES.
SO WHAT DOES WCDMA MEAN?

WCDMA is called "Wideband Code Division Multiple Access". It's a standard found in 3G networks.

Learning fast here.

Nice post

ive always said it, our so called 3G networks n naija r the equivalent of Edge abroad..
smh

What does the "G" stand for

afam4eva: Thanks for the info. Some people see these technical terms on their phones or computers but don't know what they mean.

Btw, is there any 4G network provider in Nigeria?

swift network

Make I rush go get my own 4G Lte on Samsung Note II with the fastest Network right now!....

m-ployer:
What does the "G" stand for

Generation. As in 3rd generation (3G)

m-ployer:
What does the "G" stand for

3G FOR "Third Generation"

The basic function of today's network is to allow users to utilize data and video. Voice is now a third-rate service in modern network technologies. The only way to boost customer's insatiable thirst for data and voice is to migrate to the 4G platform. This platform incorporates WiFi, HSPA+, WiMAX and the generic network concepts all on the LTE platform. It's basically about giving you speed, speed and more speed
Apart from these, 4G network was designed to successfully merge the internet and mobile telephony on a single platform. Interesting, I must say...

Guy tnx for d research work. Even som pple working with these service providers cnt even gv a detailed analysis of these technologies

Goshen360: Make I rush go get my own 4G Lte on Samsung Note II with the fastest Network right now!....

I am not sure any of the GSM providers in nigeria offer 4G service on LTE technology. Many some of the WISP's may offer LTE, but they might not support mobile devices.

@op... Thumb up...

Thanks OP. Really learn few things from your post

Luvly thread, thanx op!

Great